Monday, September 1, 2008

Dueling Polls

Carney Released a poll showing the following:

Clarks Summit, PA—A recent Momentum Analysis poll shows Congressman Carney to be safe from a challenge from businessman Chris Hackett. Carney is more popular than Hackett, and enjoys a 2-to-1 lead over Hackett in the horserace (54-27%).

A majority of voters (53%) view Congressman Carney favorably (either “very” or “somewhat” favorable), with only 18% viewing him unfavorably (either “very” or “somewhat”). Three times as many (21%) view him “very favorably” as “very unfavorably” (7%). And Carney is popular not just with Democrats (63% favorable, 8% unfavorable) but with Republicans as well (46% favorable, 27% unfavorable).

In a head-to-head matchup with his Republican challenger, wealthy businessman Chris Hackett, Carney was supported by 49 percent compared with 45 percent for Hackett. The difference was within the poll’s 4-point margin of error.

The poll of 623 likely voters was taken exclusively for Roll Call Aug. 23-25 by SurveyUSA, an automated polling firm.

The rural district has long been a Republican stronghold, and Carney is the first Democrat to represent it since the Eisenhower administration. President Bush carried the district by 20 points in 2004, and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) led Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) 50 percent to 41 percent in the Roll Call poll.

With Republicans outnumbering Democrats in the district, Carney’s slight edge in the poll was attributed to his support from independents and moderates. He had a 2-1 advantage among self-identified moderates and was preferred by independents by a 5-4 ratio.